Action Against Hunger increases presence in Ivory Coast in response to worsening humanitarian emergency

Thousands of displaced families urgently need help

5 April 2011

As the Ivory Coast plunges deeper into humanitarian crisis, with a massacre occurring in the town of Duékoué, Action Against Hunger | ACF International is providing further emergency assistance to families fleeing the conflict.

The Duékoué massacre between 27 and 29 March has become the symbol of the recent violence in Ivory Coast. Action Against Hunger, present in the country since 2002, has launched an emergency operation, sending emergency response teams and vital relief supplies to Ivory Coast this week, as well as launching an emergency appeal in the UK.

"This is a dramatic remake of the 2005 massacres," says François Danel, Executive Director of Action Against Hunger-France, speaking from Duékoué. “Just like six years ago this town has again been the scene of a massacre and victims have faced abuse and extreme violence. Several eyewitnesses have told me that not dozens, but hundreds of people have been killed."

The entire western region of Ivory Coast has been affected by insecurity. “It is essential that we ensure the international community is present," says Francois Danel. “Because of the fighting, tens of thousands of people have fled their homes. Between the cities of Man and Duékoué many villages are completely empty, some burned to the ground. People have fled into the bush or over the border in to neighbouring Liberia.”

Evidence is suggesting that men are taking their families somewhere safe and then regularly returning to their villages to monitor their land. The rainy season is approaching and this causes further concern about the deteriorating living conditions and health problems for the thousands of displaced people.

Action Against Hunger has expanded its emergency efforts in the most affected area of Duékoué, Danane, and Man and is providing emergency water and sanitation for displaced families in makeshift camps along both sides of the Liberia-Ivory Coast border. The international humanitarian organisation is sending further emergency experts and equipment to the Ivory Coast this week.